Purpose
The purpose of the Theater Department at MACC is to provide an opportunity for students to engage in creative expression, develop insight into the history and development of theater, and gain experience in theatrical productions. Theater courses fulfill the requirements of the Associate of Arts degree, count as electives, or serve as future credit toward a four-year degree.
Skills Taught/Benefits
While theater courses can help prepare students for a career on the stage, these courses are also meant to benefit all students enrolled in transfer programs. Students can gain valuable skills that will assist them in other areas of study or in life.
Critical thinking
Oral communication and public presentation skills
Creative expression and self-confidence
Cultural enrichment
Additionally, under the guidance of professional, experienced faculty, students gain skills specific to the art and craft of theater.
Characterization and character analysis
Storytelling, clowning, and puppetry
Pantomime and improvisation
Experience with live productions
Hands-on training in set design and construction
Cultural Enrichment
Theater classes often include guest lectures and field trips to major theatrical productions. For example, the Theater Department has arranged for visits from Chinese scholars and Japanese puppeteers. Each semester, theater students are able to attend a college-sponsored field trip to a production of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Truman State University.
Scholarships
Two $500 scholarships are awarded to outstanding MACC theater students each semester. Selection of Theater Award recipients is on a competitive basis upon the recommendation of the MACC Theater instructor. To be eligible for the award, students must complete an application, audition, and/or provide a resume/portfolio. In addition, recipients are required to take a leadership role (either acting or technical) in the theater production during the semester in which the award is given.
Transfer Opportunities
Students can complete theater courses within their Associate of Arts degree, which is transferable to four-year colleges and universities. MACC theater courses provide foundational knowledge and skills for the student who just has a casual interest in learning more about theater to the serious theater student who intends to pursue a four-year degree and career in theater. Students can complete theater courses each semester while at MACC and then transfer for further study in the discipline. Many of Missouri’s four-year institutions offer bachelor degrees in Theater. Interested students should consult with an MACC advisor about transfer opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Although some students take theater courses for personal interest and enjoyment, these courses can also prepare students for careers in set design, acting/performance, directing, playwriting, teaching, and radio and television.
Productions
The MACC Theater Department presents both a fall and spring production on the Moberly campus. All students and staff have the opportunity to learn various facets of theatrical productions by becoming an actor or technician. Past performances have included a Renaissance Festival featuring A Midsummer’s Night Dream, an interactive Christmas Madrigal produced in conjunction with MACC Music Department, and a murder mystery dinner theater. Other performances include
Cinderella Fuddy Meers Our Town Grease Nunsense Taming of the Shrew ER/Emergency Room | Steel Magnolias The Murder Room Kindertransport Winnie the Pooh The Odyssey of Jeremy Jack The Shadow Box Wait Until Dark | Pump Boys and Dinettes The Boys Next Door Charlotte’s Web Smoke on the Mountain Alice in Wonderland Marvin’s Room Waiting for the Parade |